This is something I wrote on December 15, 2017. This day last year. It was on this day I took my “disco” or Discovery Flight to decide if flight school was for me: My fear of flying is irrational. I know it, but I can’t help it. With my job, I have to fly often. When I reached the point that I was making up excuses so I would not have to fly, I knew something had to change. Today, I was introduced to the world of aviation. My teacher is a Master Flight Instructor. I’m told, one of about 60 in the nation. His name is Aaron. I am confident in his ability. He’s good. He probably thinks I am a psycho for the total “freak out” that happened today in the plane. I was scared. He’ll have his work cut out with me. This will begin a new chapter in my Book of Life. Although I did feel a tremendous amount of anxiety when we simulated an engine failure and landed on a small grass landing area not far from the airport, I reached a new conclusion. I’ve got this. I can conquer my fear of flying. Yes, I’m scared out of my mind, but I’m going to do it anyway. I have to. As always, Find Your Adventure and Live Your Life.
Update. One year later. December 15, 2018: It is now one year later to the day. I no longer have a fear of flying and I am a pilot. No joke. When most want to learn to fly a plane, they only have the challenge of learning to actually fly the plane. My situation was a little different. I had a fear to defeat as well. This past week I went on a solo sightseeing flight over a couple of lakes. I remember the exact instance where I said to myself, “Holy shit! I’m really doing this.” I didn’t realize this happened until I returned from my flight and my instructor asked me if I had fun. I videotape myself when I fly. Here is a clip of the exact instance I just mentioned. Click here to watch. At about 5 seconds in it hits me.
Folks, every time you let fear keep you imprisoned inside your comfort zone, you are missing out on life. You are also missing out on becoming the best possible version of You. We only get one shot at life, so why not do it all? You might get hurt or maybe even killed? What? You might get killed walking in the parking lot of Walmart. You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re going to die eventually and when it’s over it over. No do-overs. Just one shot that’s all. Why is it we only fully grasp the notion that life is precious and the clock is ticking when we are dying and near the end? Time is running out. Don’t take life for granted. Sure, you might have to surrender a bit of security for a life well lived, but LIVING your life is what it is all about. If you’re not living your life then what’s the point? Refuse to be a life-prisoner. Give “security” the middle finger. Security is only an illusion anyway. Go be bold and claim all that’s yours. If something gets in your way go around it, over it, under it or through it, but whatever you do DON’T STOP! Now go be a Legend and make today count.
PS – Thanks Aaron for not giving up on me.